Best College Football Players of All Time: Top Legends Ranked

These guys didn’t just win games; they redefined what it meant to be great. This list is mostly offense-driven, from passers to rushers, studs to stars. So don’t hate me if I don’t dive into the best college defensive players of all time. Maybe next time, though, so let’s get to it.

Five Best College Football Players Of All Time

1. Jim Brown (Syracuse, Running Back, 1954-1956)

Jim Brown was a man amongst boys during his time at Syracuse. An absolute beast of a running back, he led the nation in rushing yards in 1956 and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting that same year. Brown’s dominance wasn’t confined to the football field; he excelled in lacrosse, basketball, and track. Many consider him the best, one of the biggest college football players of all time, and the greatest American football player of all time.

2. Tommie Frazier (Nebraska, 1992-1995)

Tommie Frazier was the ultimate dual-threat quarterback before the term even existed. With incredible running ability and a powerful arm, he led the Nebraska Cornhuskers to back-to-back national championships in 1994 and 1995. Frazier’s performance in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, where he ran for 199 yards and two touchdowns against Florida, is legendary.

3. Archie Griffin (Ohio State, Running Back, 1972-1975)

The only two-time Heisman Trophy winner in history, Archie Griffin, is a name synonymous with college football excellence. Griffin’s blend of speed, power, and vision made him virtually unstoppable. He was a workhorse back who carried the Ohio State Buckeyes to four consecutive Big Ten titles and an undefeated season in 1973. “The Archie” is undoubtedly one of the top college football players of all time.

4. Herschel Walker (Georgia, Running Back, 1980-1982)

Herschel Walker burst onto the scene as a freshman and never looked back. His size, speed, and raw power were unlike anything college football had seen. Walker led the Georgia Bulldogs to a national championship in 1980 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. He’s widely considered one of the best college football players ever and a true college football legend.

5. Tim Tebow (Florida, Quarterback, 2006-2009)

Tim Tebow was more than just a quarterback; he was a cultural phenomenon. A passionate leader with undeniable talent, Tebow led the Florida Gators to two national championships and won the Heisman Trophy in 2007. His impact on college football extended beyond the field, as he was known for his strong faith and charitable work. Love or hate him, there’s no denying Tebow’s place among the best college football players ever.

What is the greatest college football team of all time?

If it’s a debate you want, this could lead to days of arguments being flung left and right. But let’s do this: let’s talk about some of the best NCAAF squads ever. While I could do a top 10 college football teams ever argument, I’m going shorter here, so pay attention.

If we go back in time, college football historians could speak volumes of the 1945 Army Cadets, who, with an undefeated season, averaging 46 points scored per game while allowing only 5.1, were the literal definition of football dominance. Having two Heisman Trophy winners like Felix “Don” Blanchard and Glenn Davis, how could you go wrong?

Moving to the ’70s, how about the 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers, making their first of two nods in my argument? With a training regime that would go on to influence future NCAAF teams to this day, they not only finished the season with a perfect 13-0 record but also finished it off by beating the Oklahoma Sooners in what’s deemed the “Game of the Century,” led by Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers and Rich Glover.

The Cornhuskers were getting two nods, so here’s the second. The 1995 Nebraska team deserves a spot here as well. Between Tommy Frazier’s playing style, the crushing run-first offense, and ground-and-pound defense, it’s no wonder how the team cruised to a 12-0 record, beating the daylights out of Florida 62-24 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Now, on to my favorites: three teams I enjoyed watching during their prime and still enjoy watching on YouTube or anywhere else. The three best college football teams in the 2000s were the ‘01 Miami Hurricanes, ‘05 Texas Longhorns, and ‘19 LSU Tigers.

Starting with the Hurricanes, how can you go wrong with a team with 38 players drafted overall into the NFL, including 17 first-rounders? We’re talking about players like Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Ken Dorsey, and Kellen Winslow Jr. With a 12-0 record tipped off with a BCS National Title, put some respect on the ‘Canes.

Moving on, tell me, Vince Young’s performance, leading the Longhorns to an epic National Title win in the Rose Bowl, doesn’t automatically propel this team to legendary status? When wanting to find what time-lasting performances are all about, Young leading the Longhorns is what it’s all about.

Last but not least, and sorry, Alabama, Clemson, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and Michigan fans, my favorite college football team is the ‘19 Tigers. This team wasn’t just good; it knew it was good and made opponents know from kick-off that they were that good.

Led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, among other stars, this team was almost unfair to opponents. Its season-finishing title wins against Clemson by 42-25, after taking down Georgia for the SEC crown and Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl, remain one of the most dominant title runs in recent history.

Who has the most 10-win seasons in college football history?

Excellence in college football is often measured by consistent success, and no metric better illustrates this than achieving 10-win seasons. Alabama stands atop this prestigious list with an astounding 43 seasons of double-digit victories, showcasing their unprecedented dominance, particularly during the Nick Saban era.

The Crimson Tide’s streak of 14 consecutive 10-win seasons demonstrates their remarkable consistency at the highest level of competition.

Trailing right behind Alabama’s heels is Oklahoma, with 42 seasons, including an impressive 19 such campaigns since 2000. This highlights their modern-era dominance, even if the Sooners aren’t necessarily dominating.

Michigan follows with 32 seasons, recently punctuated by their perfect 15-0 run in 2023, while Ohio State’s 31 seasons include 21 campaigns with 11 or more victories, underlining their sustained success.

USC rounds out the top five with 28 seasons, followed closely by traditional powerhouses Nebraska, Georgia, Penn State, Florida State, and Texas, each with 25 or more double-digit win seasons.

What are the most wins without a loss in college football history?

The record for the most consecutive wins without a loss is held by the Oklahoma Sooners, who achieved an astounding 47-game winning streak from 1953 to 1957. This remarkable run, led by coach Bud Wilkinson and featuring some of the greatest college football players of all time, solidified Oklahoma’s place as a college football powerhouse. It lasted 1,505 days and included two national championships.

Who has the longest active winning streak in college football?

Believe it or not, the Army Black Knights have emerged as an unexpected powerhouse. They currently boast the nation’s longest active winning streak, at 12 games. This remarkable run, spanning from late 2023 into 2024, has showcased Army’s disciplined approach and dominant ground game.

The Black Knights’ streak includes impressive victories over traditional service academy rivals Air Force and Navy and convincing wins against FBS opponents like Temple, Tulsa, and East Carolina. Their dominance is reflected in the scorelines, with Army outscoring opponents by significant margins, including a 49-7 dismantling of Tulsa and a 44-10 victory over UAB.

Behind Army, Oregon stands strong with ten consecutive wins, while BYU has built momentum with eight straight victories. Pittsburgh and Texas A&M are tied at seven wins each, with Clemson rounding out the top streaks at six wins.